London to Edinburgh Adventure

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Departure Date

May 21, 2025

Overview

Trip Overview

This 9-day, tailor-made trip invites you to explore two of the most exciting cities in the British Isles, romantic Edinburgh, and timeless London. 

Start things off in London with a vintage double-decker tour, ideal for taking in the sights of one of the world's most exciting cities. Pass by Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and Saint Paul's Cathedral, then disembark for a tour of Buckingham Palace, the official residence of His Majesty the King, followed by a cruise on the Thames, taking in London's icons from its famous waterway. More British icons await on your second day, with a Classic Rock and Beatles tour taking you to Kings Road and other spots synonymous with Swinging 60s London. Walk in the footsteps of Pink Floyd, Freddie Mercury, and Jimi Hendrix, through to modern-day stars like Adele.

There's so much more to do in London, so take a full day at leisure to enjoy. Perhaps explore the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, the Churchill War Rooms, or the cavernous British Museum. Check out tickets for a West End show that night, or take in a performance at the National Theatre or Shakespeare's Globe on the South Bank. The following day, trek out to Stonehenge, wondering at its mysteries and astronomical precision before returning for your final night in London.

Time to board your train bound for Edinburgh. This romantic city combines regal beauty with a scrappy, down-to-earth attitude that is quintessentially Scottish. Check out some sightseeing ideas while you're on the train, since you'll have a Hop-On Hop-Off sightseeing bus ticket the following day. Your options include Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, the Scottish National Museum, the haunted graveyard at Greyfriar's, Queen Street Gardens, the Royal Mile, HMS Britannia, and so many others. 

Need to narrow it down? Save Edinburgh Castle and perhaps the Royal Mile for the following day, when a guided tour takes you to explore their ins and outs. Then set your taste buds dancing Scottish Style with a Johnnie Walker Journey of Flavour. Of course, if you haven't journeyed into the Highlands, you haven't really been to Scotland! A full-day trip takes you to Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the foot of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis.

Return to Edinburgh for one more day at leisure before you depart. If you're here during the excitement of the Fringe, stop by the box office for same-day deals, or take the bus to Roslyn Chapel to uncover some of its Templar mysteries.

Highlights

Departures

From London on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays: April to October.
This trip may also be taken in the reverse direction.

 

Trip Includes

  • Private arrival and departure airport transfers
  • 4 nights in first-class accommodations in London
  • 4 nights in first-class accommodations in Edinburgh
  • Hop-on Hop-off bus tour of London
  • Shared tour of Classic Rock and Beatles Sites in London (max 50 guests)
  • Shared Stonehenge Direct tour (max 50 guests)
  • Private train station transfers in London and Edinburgh
  • Hop-on Hop-off bus tour of Edinburgh
  • Shared "Secrets of the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle" tour (max 30 guests)
  • Admission to the Johnny Walker Journey of Flavour
  • Small group tour of Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands (max 16 guests)
  • Breakfast daily (excluding day 1)

 

Trip Excludes

  • Travel insurance
  • International, domestic airfare & airfare taxes
  • Meals and beverages not explicitly listed as included
  • Gratuities
  • Optional excursions
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Visa fees, if applicable

London Heathrow Airport to London - Kensington

 

Vintage Double-Decker Afternoon Tour and Cruise

What better way to see the highlights of London than from the upper level of a vintage double-decker bus? Take in excellent views of Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, St. Paul's Cathedral and the Tower of London on a meandering route, sweeping through the streets and history of the English capital. The tour also includes a boat trip on the river Thames as well as a visit to Buckingham Palace, the official Royal residence of His Majesty the King. Following your time at Buckingham, the scene shifts to the river Thames where you'll set off on serene sailing coursing through the central waterway of London, passing sites of interest including Shakespeare's Globe, London Bridge, the Shard and Tower Bridge before arriving at the London Eye pier, where you'll disembark. Shortly after, you'll be returned to the Victoria Coach Station where you'll bid farewell to your guide and enjoy time on your own. Important note: The Changing of the Guards only takes place in the morning and therefore cannot be seen on this afternoon excursion.

 

Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington

4 Night Stay

Meal Plan: Buffet Breakfast

The Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington is a contemporary four-star hotel located near The Royal Albert Hall, just a two minutes' walk from High Street Kensington underground station. From world-class museums to spacious Hyde and Holland Park and even Kensington Palace being walkable, there is more than enough to do right on our doorstep.

Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington

On the afternoon tour, join us at famous gig sites, rock hotels, record labels, management offices and studios. Paul McCartney still lives near the famous Abbey Road recording studios with its infamous Zebra crossing which we'll walk across. We'll see where legendary Jimi Hendrix lived and died, the headquarters of Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones sites and the place where Freddie Mercury and Queen hung out inspiring Bohemian Rhapsody. Then there is Eric Clapton, Pink Floyd, Bowie, Sex Pistols, Bob Marley and Elton John, all personalised for you in a small group minivan tour.

The most famous prehistoric monument in the world, and now a world heritage site, Stonehenge stands alone in the vast empty tract of Salisbury plain. Its origins date back nearly 5,000 years and it has been home to pagan religion and spiritual worship, not to be mention public debate ever since.

London - Kensington to Kings Cross Railway Station

 

Edinburgh Waverley Railway Stn to Edinburgh - City Centre

 

Edinburgh Hop On and Off Bus Tour

Join us on an hour long 7-language tour introducing the best sights in Edinburgh. Edinburgh is a wonderful city from sights to shopping and culture to City Sightseeing! Buy your 24 hour ticket and then you can enjoy the freedom to "hop on and hop off" until the same time the following day. The Edinburgh Tour will operate the following route: Waverley Bridge, Princes Street, Lothian Road, Bread Street, West Port, Grassmarket, Victoria Street, George IV Bridge, Chambers Street, South Bridge, High Street, Canongate, Horse Wynd, Queens Drive, Holyrood Gait, Our Dynamic Earth turning circle, Holyrood Gait, Queens Drive, Horse Wynd, Abbeyhill, Abbeymount, Regent Road, Waterloo Place, Princes Street, South St David Street, George Street, Hanover Street, Queen Street Gardens East, Heriot Row, Queen Street Gardens West, Frederick Street, George Street, Hanover Street, The Mound, Market Street, Waverley Bridge. Join the tour at Waverley Bridge, Lothian Road, Grassmarket, Royal Mile, Princes Street, or Princes Mall.

 

Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh

4 Night Stay

Meal Plan: Full Breakfast

Be a guest and relax in their stylish city-center Edinburgh hotel. You’ll find the hotel on Jeffrey Street in the city’s Old Town, close to Waverley Train Station. They are a short stroll away from the capital’s landmarks including Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Park and many other local hotspots.

Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh

Secrets of Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle - Walking Tour

The beautiful city is waiting for you... The best way to explore Edinburgh is to follow your feet. Where the buses can't take you, and the guide books don't show you is where the real stories can be found - the closes, wynds, courtyards and homes of Old Edinburgh. This walking tour will paint a vivid picture of the colourful past and people - see the secrets and tell the tales - the culture, crime and politics of Scotland's capital. This is an experience shared by Mercat historians. Your experience of the medieval city is then completed with a visit to Edinburgh Castle. The Castle dominates Scotland's capital city from its great rock. Its story has helped shape the nation's story. Battles and sieges were fought over it, royalty lived and died within its walls, and countless generations have been and inspired by it. Visit the Castle and let your Mercat guide reveal its remarkable history.

 

Johnnie Walker Journey of Flavour

Welcome to Johnnie Walker Princes Street, where your personal whisky adventure awaits! Explore flavours from across Scotland and sensory expressions from around the globe to discover your perfect serve, whether you’re a whisky dram loyalist, innovative cocktail enthusiast, or aficionado of alcohol free quenchers. If you love a good story and want to explore flavour in new ways, this is the tour for you. Discover how, rather than settling for the status quo, Johnnie Walker’s pioneering spirit, resiliency and bold aspirational creativity continue to set them apart as drivers of innovation, social connection, and downright delicious drinks. Your full sensory adventure culminates in a flavour filled celebration of the legendary Johnnie Walker taste and the special moments they create and share with you! Please note: This experience is immersive and uses a combination of flashing lights, media, music, sensory moments and special effects that may not be suitable for all audiences. Non-alcoholic options are available on all experience tastings.

You leave the cobbled streets of Edinburgh and travel past Linlithgow Palace and Stirling Castle. This region is soaked in history, so sit back and relax as your driver-guide entertains you with the tales of Mary Queen of Scots, William Wallace, and Scottish folklore. If you keep a look out, you can catch a glimpse of the Kelpies. These 30-metre tall horse head sculptures need to be seen to be believed. Your driver-guide takes you to their favourite stop within the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park where you can grab coffee and enjoy the views. After this stop, it’s time to get your camera ready. Because as you travel north into the Highlands, the landscapes suddenly become more provocative. Shimmering lochs, rugged mountains, forest filled glens: it’s all so beautiful that it’s easy to forget these were once battlegrounds for fiercely territorial Highland clans. You stop in Glencoe, one of the most famous natural landmarks in all of Scotland. This beautiful area boasts steep slopes and photogenic peaks. Your driver-guide may reveal to you the tragic tale that’s haunted this valley for over 300 years. You then enter the glacial valley known as the Great Glen and pass under the shadow of Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest mountain. After this visual feast of mighty inclines, you arrive in Fort Augustus on the banks of Loch Ness. At 23 miles long and over 700ft deep, Loch Ness is the largest loch by volume in Scotland. You have around one hour and a half here. You can search for the infamous monster on a relaxing boat cruise (subject to weather conditions), wander around the shores of the loch at your own pace, and grab a bite to eat. Your journey south is packed full of classic Highland scenery. You travel through the curvy Cairngorms National Park, along Loch Laggan, and past Blair Castle. Amongst the tall trees of Perthshire, you have a final refreshment break before journeying alongside the UNESCO Forth Rail Bridge and back into Edinburgh.

Edinburgh - City Centre to Edinburgh Airport


Summary

Terms and Conditions

Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.